This course examines the interplay of gender, race, class, and sexuality in American society. Drawing on lectures, readings, and films, we will explore how gender, race, class, and sexuality operate not simply as ways of categorizing people, but as interrelated inequalities that structure our social world. We begin by examining each core concept from a sociological perspective–as social constructions that help to rationalize and justify social inequality–paying particular attention to the relationships among them and how gender, race, class, and sexuality intersect to shape individual experiences, daily social interactions, and society. Next, we examine how these differences and inequalities matter in a variety of institutional contexts, including family life, the criminal justice system, and education. Finally, we will consider solutions to social inequality and discuss strategies for social change.
